Imagine working solely on things that are hard for you every day. Services for people with autism often focus on fixing problems. It’s time for a shift—occupational therapy practitioners say harnessing the strengths of autism can lead to success as an adult. Listen to the 7-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Engage During the Day for Better Sleep (August 2016)

We all know sleep is important, but more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep. A new occupational therapy study explores the link between engaging in meaningful activities during the day and getting better sleep at night. Listen to the 5-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Recovery and Participation Post Concussion (March 2016)

For 15 to 30% of people who have had a concussion, symptoms like headaches, mental fatigue, and irritability can linger long after the injury. Occupational therapy can help people with post-concussion syndrome manage symptoms and return to work or school. Listen to the 4-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Safe Driving at Any Age (December 2015)

Changes in our health can affect our ability to drive as we age. An occupational therapist shares when it is time to get a driving checkup and how the goal of occupational therapy is to keep older drivers on the road for as long as it is safe. Listen to the 4-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

The Key to Managing a Chronic Condition (October 2015)

Half of all adults in the U.S. have one or more chronic health condition. If you’re struggling with managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, it could be due to your routines and habits. Elizabeth Hart, MS, OTR/L, discusses how occupational therapy can help you develop new skills and routines to self-manage your condition. Listen to the 4-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

A New Approach to End Bullying (May 2015)

Every child is at risk for bullying, but an occupational therapist says we should not focus on stopping bullying. Instead, we need to teach children to respect and tolerate differences. Occupational therapy can help children make friends, which makes them less likely to be bullied. Listen to the 4-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Life After Stroke (January 2015)

Stroke deaths are down, which is great, but that means more people are living with the chronic symptoms after a stroke. Hear from occupational therapists about the effectiveness of occupational therapy for people who have had a stroke. Listen to the 4-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Treating Low Vision, Improving Mental Health (November 2014)

Visual impairment affects nearly 1 in 5 older adults, and people with low vision often have problems completing daily activities. An occupational therapist discusses how this can lead to depression and shares the distinct value of occupational therapy for people with low vision. Listen to the 3-minute podcast on the media player on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Healing Veterans Through Surfing (July 2014)

A new study finds that for some veterans spending a day at the beach is having a healing effect. An occupational therapist in California discusses how the beach and surfing can help heal PTSD and depression symptoms. Listen to the 4-minute podcast on the media player on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Aging Safely in the Home (May 2014)

One in three older adults fall every year in the United States and more than half of all falls take place at home. The injuries from a fall can make it difficult to live independently. We talked to Susan Stark about why it is important for older adults to have a safe home. Listen to the 3-minute podcast on the media player on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Autism and Social Success (March 2014)

A new study finds that children with autism are participating in fewer social activities than other children and are thereby missing out on important learning opportunities. Listen to the 3-minute podcast on the media player on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.

Holiday Blues (December 2013)

What does the evidence say about social isolation for older adults? And why is it more common during the holidays? The first AOTA Everyday Evidence podcast has the answers. Listen to the 6-minute podcast on the embedded player or listen to it on Stitcher.